What Are the Differences Between MIPI Interface Cameras and LVDS Interface Cameras?

This article will delve into the core differences between MIPI interface cameras and LVDS interface cameras, aiming to help industry users better understand these two technologies and provide a useful reference for their application selection.

I. Interface Standards and Definitions

MIPI Interface Camera:

The MIPI (Mobile Industry Processor Interface) interface is a standardized interface specifically designed for mobile devices. It aims to optimize power consumption, increase data transmission rates, and reduce the number of pins and circuit board area of mobile devices. MIPI interfaces support multiple protocols, including CSI (Camera Serial Interface) for camera data transmission. For example, the FCB-EV9500M is a MIPI interface camera.

LVDS Interface Camera:

LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) refers to low-voltage differential signaling, which is a new technology that meets the requirements of high-performance data transmission applications. It transmits data through two mutually opposite signal lines, one being a positive polarity signal and the other a negative polarity signal, thereby enhancing the signal's anti-interference capability.

II. Data Transmission Characteristics

MIPI Interface Camera:

MIPI interface cameras support high-speed, low-latency data transmission, reaching up to 10 Gbps (multi-channel). The MIPI CSI protocol defines how image data is exchanged between the camera sensor and the processor, ensuring efficient data transmission. MIPI interfaces also feature low power consumption, making them suitable for applications such as dome cameras and pan-tilt heads.

LVDS Interface Camera:

LVDS interface cameras also support high-speed data transmission, but compared to MIPI interfaces, their rates may be slightly lower, around 1.9 Gbps (single-channel). LVDS technology is renowned for its low power consumption and long-distance transmission capabilities, making it suitable for applications requiring stable data streams.

III. Application Scenarios and Compatibility

MIPI Interface Camera:

MIPI interface cameras are widely used in fields such as security surveillance, drones, robots, industrial inspection, and more. Due to their high speed, low power consumption, and standardization, MIPI interface cameras have become an indispensable component in numerous industries.

LVDS Interface Camera:

LVDS interface cameras are more commonly used in most block camera modules, such as those from Tamron and Volers, which mostly adopt LVDS interfaces. LVDS interface cameras have advantages in scenarios requiring long-distance transmission and stable data streams. Suitable application areas include industrial surveillance, medical imaging, drones, and others.

IV. Physical Layer and Electrical Characteristics

MIPI Interface Camera:

The physical layer of MIPI interfaces defines the electrical characteristics and physical connections, such as D-PHY (Data-PHY) and C-PHY (Clock-PHY). These physical layer implementations optimize data transmission rates and power consumption.

LVDS Interface Camera:

LVDS interfaces utilize the principle of low-voltage differential signaling, canceling out external interference by comparing the differences between two opposite signals. LVDS interfaces have low power consumption and strong anti-interference capabilities.

V. Performance Comparison

VI. Summary

In summary, MIPI interface cameras and LVDS interface cameras exhibit significant differences in interface standards, data transmission characteristics, application scenarios and compatibility, as well as physical layer and electrical characteristics. MIPI interface cameras, with their high speed, low power consumption, and standardization, have become mainstream choices in security surveillance, drones, robots, and industrial inspection. On the other hand, LVDS interface cameras are more commonly used in industrial surveillance, medical imaging, and drones, among other fields. When selecting camera interfaces, it is necessary to weigh and choose based on specific application scenarios and requirements.